Dishwashing apparatus with automatic detergent introduction arrangement



Dec. 9, 1952 F. A. WALKER DISHWASHING APPARATUS WITH AUTOMATIC DETERGENT INTRODUCTION ARRANGEMENT 4 Sheets-Sheet. 1

Filed May 14, 1948 INVENTOR. Forrest A. Walker FIG 1 Dec 9, 1952 F A WALKER 2,620,811

DISK-{WASHING APPARATUS WITH AUTOMATIC DETERGENT INTRODUCTION ARRANGEMENT Filed May 14, 1948 4 Sheets-Sheet 2 Attys.

Dec. 9, 11952 F. A. WALKER 2,620,811

DISHWASHING APPARATUS WITH AUTOMATIC DETERGENT INTRODUCTION ARRANGEMENT Filed May 14, 1948 4 Sheets-Sheet 5 FIG. 5

INVENTOR. Forrest A. Walker BY M, (XAIM Afiys.

WALKER 2,620,811 DISHWASHING APPARATUS WITH AUTOMATIC 4 Sheets-Sheet 4 r mT [I m Dec, 9, 1952 F. A.

DETERGENT INTRODUCTION ARRANGEMENT Filed May 14, 1948 R m w W.

Forrest Awulker BY v M, O'CMM M Patented Dec. 9, 1952 DISHWASHING APPARATUS WITH AUTO- MATIC DETERGENT INTRODUCTION AR- RANGE Forrest Alander Walker, Wheaton, m, minor to Hotpoint Inc., a corporation of New York Application May 14, 1948, Serial No. 27,002 Claims. (Cl. 134-93) The present invention relates to washing apparatus, and more particularly to improved dishwashing apparatus of the general character of that disclosed in United States Patent No. 2,425,620, granted on August 12, 1947. to Leslie A. Kempton.

The dishwashing apparatus disclosed in the Kempton patent mentioned is of the timed washing cycle type that performs automatically and in predetermined sequence given steps including spraying, washing, rinsing and drying of the dishes and other utensils contained therein. This apparatus comprises a cabinet housing a substantially vertically disposed vat including a front openingv and a door for closing the opening, the door being mounted for movement between a substantially vertical closed position and a substantially horizontal open position. Also, this apparatus comprises an open wire-work dish supporting rack of the general character disclosed in United States Patent No. 2,290,653, granted on July 21, 1942 to Edgar S. Stoddard; which rack is mounted for movement through the front opening into and out of the vat when the door occupies its open position. Further, this apparatus comprises detergent cup mechanism of the general character disclosed in lined and additional operating features thereof are attained.

The invention, both as to its organization and method of operation, together with further objects and advantages thereof, will best be understood by reference 'to the following specification taken in connection with the accompanying drawings, in which Figure 1 is a front levational view, partly broken away, of dishwashing apparatus provided with a front opening door and embodying thepresent invention; Fig. 2 is a reduced perspective view of the dishwashing apparatus shown in Fig. 1 with the door in its open position, illustrating the interior of a vat incorporated in the apparatus; Fig. 3 is a reduced perspective view of the dishwashing apparatus, similar to Fig. 2, with the door in its open position, illustrating a movable dish supporting rack incorporated in the apparatus and United States Patent No. 2,276,801, granted on March 17, 1942, to Edgar S. Stoddard; which mechanism is operated following an initial spraying step and at the beginning of a first washing step in order to introduce a charge of detergent contained therein into the associated vat.

While this dishwashing apparatus is entirely satisfactory and eiiicient in operation, it is somewhat more expensive to manufacturewith reference to certain particulars than is desirable.

Accordingly, itis a general object of the present invention to provide improved dishwashing apparatus of the timed washing cycle type, which is positive and eflicient in operation, and that is simple and economical to manufacture.

Another object of the invention is to provide 'washing apparatus of the character noted that incorporates an improved arrangement for introducing during the washing step the detergent into the washingfluid contained in the vat.

Another object of the invention is to provide washing apparatus of the character noted that incorporates an arrangement that is controlled in response to the accumulation of a. predetermined quantity ofv washing fluid in the vat for introducing a charge of detergent into the contained fluid.

Another object of the invention is to provide in washing apparatus improved and exceedingly simple detergent introduction mechanism.

Further features of the invention pertain to the particular arrangement of the elements of the washing apparatus, whereby the above-outoccupying its normal fully pushed-in position; Fig. 4 is a reduced perspective view of the dishwashing apparatus, similar to Figs. 2 and 3, with the door in its open position, illustrating the rack in its normal fully pulled-out position; Fig. 5 is a fragmentary vertical sectional view of the dishwashing apparatus, taken in the direction of the arrows along the lines 5-5 in Figs. 1 and 3, with the door in its closed position andthe rack in its normal fully pushed-in position, 11- lustrating the structural detail of the door; Fig. 6 is a fragmentary vertical sectional view of the dishwashing apparatus, similar to Fig. 5,. with the door in its open position, fllustrating in full Referring now to Fig. 1 of the drawings, the v dishwashing apparatus it there illustrated, and

embodying the features of the present inven-v tion, is of the general character of that disclosed in the previously mentioned Kempton patent and comprising a vat I I that is supported in a I substantially vertical position in an outer casing having side walls [2 and a top wall I3 which is provided with a backsplasher I I. The vat II is of the front opening type and this opening is closed by a door I5 that is hinged at its lower edge to move between a lower substantially horizontal open position and an upper substantially vertical closed position, and is latched in its closed position by a latch bar operated by a rotatable handle l6 carried on the outside of the door l5 adjacent to the upper edge thereof. .A ventilating louver I1 is provided adjacent to 3 the center of the door l5 below the handle I. and communicates through a passage formed in the door I 3 with the interior of the vat I. Also, an open-work removable rack is provided in the vat H in order to support the articles to be washed, such as dishes, glasses and silverware.

In the lower portion of the vat ii there is provided a, substantially centrally disposed impeller II which is provided with blades |9 that may have any suitable shape, the important feature being that the blades are given a shape such that the cleansing fluid supplied to the vat H and allowed to accumulate in the lower portion thereof will be thrown upwardly and outwardly in an efllcient manner through the adjacent supporting rack. The impeller I! may be formed of any suitable material and the lower portion thereof is surrounded by an upstanding substantially cylindrical reticulated screen 20 carried by a casting 2| removably secured to the bottom of the vat II to close an opening formed therein. The casting 2| carries an electric motor 22 provided with a substantially vertically disposed operating shaft, not shown. The operating shaft of the motor 22 projects through a sealed opening or gland provided in the casting 2| into the lower portion of the vat II and the hub of the impeller I8 is directly secured thereto. Accordingly, the operating shaft of the motor 22 rotates the impeller l3 about a substantially vertical axis, the rotation of the impeller l8 being in a counterclockwise direction as viewed from the top of the vat Provided in the space in the casing of the dishwashing apparatus l0 below the vat II is a suitable fluid supply pipe 23 which is adapted to be connected to a source of supply of cleansing or washing fluid, not shown, by a coupling, union, or the like, not shown. For example, in the event the cleansing or washing fluid is water, the source of supply may be a hot water tank, or the like. The cleansing fluid is piped from the bottom of the casing up the back wall of the vat H by a flexible conduit 24 and into the top of the vat Specifically, a sprayin device 25 is carried by the lower surface of the top wall of the vat II in a substantially centrally disposed position and is connected to the conduit 24 so that the cleansing fluid may be sprayed downwardly through the rack provided in the vat H and allowed to accumulate in the lower portion thereof. Specifically, the fluid supply pipe 23 is suitably connected to an inlet valve strainer device 26 that, in turn, is connected to an inlet valve mechanism 21 of the solenoid type. arranged to discharge into the conduit 24. The inlet valve mechanism 21 is normally biased to its closed position in order to disconnect the fluid supply pipe 23 from the conduit 24, but is operated to its open position when the associated solenoid is energized in order that cleansing fluid may be supplied from the fluid supply pipe 23 via the inlet valve strainer device 25, the casing of the inlet valve mechanism 21, the conduit 24 and the spraying device 25, into the upper portion of the interior of the vat Subsequently, when the solenoid of the inlet valve mechanism 21 is deenergized, the inlet valve mechanism 21 is returned to its closed position, closing the communication between the fluid supply pipe 23 and the spraying device 25.

Also, provided in the lower portion of the casing of the dishwashing apparatus l0, below'the vat II, is a drain pipe 28 that is connected through a suitable trap 29 to a drain connection 30. Pro- 4 vided in the drain pipe 23 is an elbow 3| terminating in a drain valve mechanism v32 that is suitably connected to a drain conduit 33 carried by the casting 2| and communicating through an opening formed therein with the bottom portion of the vat ll. Thedrain valve mechanism 32 is normally biased to its open position in order to connect the bottom of the vat via the opening in the casting 2|, the drain conduit 33, the casing of the drain valve mechanism 32, the elbow 3|, the drain-pipe 23 and the trap 23 to the drain connection 30. In order to operate the drain valve mechanism 32 there is mounted on the elbow 3| a platform 34 carrying an electromagnetic device 35 which has an armature 38 that is actuated in response to energization of an associated solenoid 31. Connected to the armature 36 through a suitable spring 33 is a lever 33 which, in turn. is connected to a shaft 40 extending into the interior of the drain valve mechanism 32 and operatively connected to the valve element, not shown, thereof. Specifically, the shaft 40 is normally biased by a coil spring 4| in order to cause the drain valve mechanism 32 to occupy its open position, as previously noted. When the solenoid 31 is energized, the armature 3B of the electromagnetic device 35 is actuated so as to rotate through the spring 33 the shaft 40 in a clockwise direction against the bias of the coil spring 4|, whereby the drain valve mechanism 32 is operated to its closed position, closing the communication between the bottom of the vat H and the drain connection 30. Subsequently, when the solenoid 31 of the electromagnetic device 35 is deenergized, the armature 36 is released, whereby the coil spring 4| rotates the shaft 40 in a counterclockwise direction, again operating the drain valve mechanism 32 to its open position in order again to place the bottom of the vat into communication with the drain connection 30.

Mounted within the lower portion of the vat l and surrounding the impeller i8 is a suitable electric heater 42 which is preferably of the sheathed resistance conductor type; which heater 42 is employed for the purpose of drying the dishes after they have been washed and rinsed as explained more fully hereinafter. Also an electric control panel 43 is arranged in the lower portion of the casing of the dishwashing apparatus I0 below the bottom of the vat H and carried by the casting 2|. The control panel 43 is preferably disposed in front of the electric motor 22 so as to be readily accessible from the front of the casing of the dishwashing apparatus i0 and comprises a removable cover 44. The control panel 43 supports the electrical apparatus that is connected and arranged substantially in the manner disclosed in the previously mentioned Kempton patent for the purpose of controlling the electric motor 22, the electro-responsive inlet valve mechanism 21, the electro-responsive device 35 associated with the drain valve mechanism 32 and the heater 42. Specifically, this electric circuit network includes a start switch, not shown, that is controlled by a push button 45 carried by the front of the casing of the dishwashing apparatus |0 adjacent to the left-hand side wall [2 and below the top wall l3, as well as an interlock switch, not shown, that is controlled by the latch bar governed by the handle it. Also this electric control network comprises a pickup relay, not shown, and an electromagnetic timer, not shown. The electric circuit network is so connected and arranged that when the door II is closed and the latch bar is operated by the handle it in order securely to latch the door I! in its closed position, the interlock switch is closed to prepare the start switch.- At this time when the push button 45 is operated, the start switch is closed in order to efl'ect operation of the pickup relay, whereby operation of the electromag-- netic timer is initiated. At this time the .timer brings about a timed cycle of operation of the dishwashing apparatus I in order to effect spraying, washing, rinsing and drying of the dishes supported by the rack in the vat H and is then reset at the conclusion of the cycle, reconditioning itself for another cycle of operation. During the cycle of operation of the dishwashing apparatus I 0 should the handle I 6 be operated in order to unlatch the door IS, the pickup relay is restored in order to arrest operation of the timer and to cause it to be returned to its initial position.

The details of the electrical apparatus incorporated in the dishwashing apparatus in have been omitted in the interest of brevity, but are fully disclosed in the Kempton patent as previously mentioned; however, the complete timed washing cycle of the dishwashing apparatus l0 may be understood from the following outline.

After the dishes to be washed have been loaded into the rack and the rack has been moved into its normal fully pushed-in position in the vat Ii, the door I is closed and latched in place'by the handle I6, whereupon the push button 45 is operated in order to initiate the timed washin cycle. At this time the pickup relay andthe timer are operated, whereby a first spray step is initiated. Specifically, operation 01 the elec tric motor 22 is initiated and the inlet valve fg mechanism 21 is operated to its open position while the drain valve mechanism 32 occupies its open position. Accordingly, the impeller I 8 is rotated in a counterclockwise direction and cleansing fluid is supplied from the fluid supply pipe 23 to the spraying device 25. The cleansing fluid sprays down through the dishes supported by the rack and into the bottom of the vat ii.

This cleansing fluid passes through the reticulated screen 20 below the blades I9 of the im-' peller l8 and thence through the drain valve mechanism 32 into the drain connection 30. Some of the cleansing fluid passing through the reticulated screen 20 may be caught and flung upwardly and outwardly through the dishes supported by the rack by the blades IQ of the impeller i8 at this time, although this action is not considerable since the drain valve mechanism 32 occupies its open position. This first spray step is carried out through a time interval of approximately thirty seconds under the control of the timer.

The timer then initiates a first washing step, and specifically the electromagnetic device 35 is operated in order to close the drain valve mechanism 32 while the inlet valve mechanism 21 oocupies its open position and the electric motor 22 is running. At this time the cleansing fluid sprayed through the dishes supported by the rack from the spraying device 25 accumulates in the bottom of the vat l i since the drain valve mechanism 32 occupies its closed position. The cleansing fluid accumulating in the bottom of the vat ll passes through the reticulated screen 20 and is caught by the blades I9 01' the impeller i 8 and is flung upwardly and outwardly through the rack and the dishes supported thereby, against the walls of the vat Ii, and again returns to the cumulates in the bottom of the vat Ii, imposing a predetermined load upon the impeller l3 and consequently upon the electric motor 22. The

electric circuit network is responsive to this increased load imposed upon the electric motor 22 and operates in order to deenergize the solenoid of the inlet valve mechanism 21,'whereby the inlet valve mechanism 21 is operated to its closed position to shut oil the fluid supply pipe 23 from the spraying device 25. Also, the electric control network comprises an arrangement for deenergizing the solenoid oi the inlet valve mechanism 21 in order to shut oil the fluid supply pipe 23 from the spraying device 23 after an elapsed time of forty-five seconds, in the event this operation has not already been effected by the previously mentioned arrangement responsive to the increased load upon the electric motor 22. After a predetermined quantity of cleansing fluid has accumulated in the bottom of the vat II, a given charge of detergent is introduced into the cleansing fluid in order that the first mentioned is of the type sold under, the trade name Calgonite that comprises about 40 per cent sodium hexametaphosphate and 60 per cent sodium metasilicate. This first washing step is carried out through a time interval of approximately flve minutes under the control of the timer, whereupon the timer operates to eflect operation of the electromagnetic device 35, whereby the drain valve mechanism 32 is operated to its open position while the inlet valve mechanism 21 occupies its closed position and the electric motor 22 is running. The cleansing fluid accumulated in the bottom of the vat II is then drained into the drain connection 30, which takes place in less than forty-five seconds. The timer. then operates at the conclusion of forty-five seconds in order again to effect operation of the inlet valve mechanism 21 to its open position while the drain valve mechanism 32 occupies its open position and the electric motor 22 is running, thereby to initiate a second spray step.

Cleansing fluid is again supplied from the fluidvat I l passing through the drain valve mechanism 32 into the drain connection 30. This second spray step is carried out under the control of the timer through a time interval of approximately ten seconds, whereupon the timer again operates the electromagnetic device 35 in order to. effect closure of the drain valve mechanism 32 and the consequent initiation of a second washing step.

The second washing step proceeds in the man-. nor of the first washing step described above, whereby the inlet valve mechanism 21 is operated to its closed position dependent upon the load upon the electric motor 22, or at the conclusion of fortyfive seconds. The second washing step continues for a time interval of five minutes under the control of the timer, whereupon the electromagnetic device 35 is again operated in order to open the drain valve mechanism 3-2 while the inlet valve 21 occupiesits closed position and the electric motor 22 is running. The cleansing fluid accumulated in the bottom of the vat I I is drained through the drain connection 33, and after fortyflve seconds the timer again operates to effect operation of the inlet valve mechanism 21 to its open position while the drain valve mechanism 32 occupies its open position and the electric motor 22 is running, thereby to initiate a third spray step. The cleansing fluid supplied from the fluid supply pipe 23 to the spraying device 25 sprays through the dishes supported by the rack and accumulates in the bottom of the vat I I and is drained through the drain valve mechanism 32 into the drain connection 30. This spray step continues throughout a time interval of ten seconds under the control of the timer, whereupon the timer effects reoperation of the electro-magnetic device 35 and the consequent reclosure of the drain valve mechanism 32 in order to initiate a first rinse step.

Cleansing fluid is supplied from the spraying device 25 into the vat II and accumulates in the bottom thereof, and thereafter the inlet valve mechanism 21 is operated to its closed position, depending upon the load upon the electric motor 22 or upon the elapsed time interval of forty-flve seconds. as previously explained. This rinse step continues through a time interval of one minute, whereupon the timer releases the electromagnetic device 35 causing the drain valve mechanism 32 to be operated to its open position. The cleansing fluid accumulated in the bottom of the vat II is then drained through the drain valve mechanism 32 into the drain connection 30.

At the conclusion of forty-five seconds the timer again operates the inlet valve mechanism 21 to its open position in order to initiate another spray step in the manner previously explained. After ten seconds. the timer reoperates the electromagnetic device 35 in order to effect operation of the drain valve mechanism 32 to its closed position, whereby cleansing fluid is again accumulated in the bottom of the vat II initiating a second rinse step. Subsequently, the inlet valve mechanism 21 is operated to its closed position depending upon the load upon the electric motor 22 or at the expiration of forty-five seconds, as previously explained. This second rinse step continues through a time interval of one minute, and thereafter the timer releases the electromagnetic device 35 in order to cause the drain valve mechanism 32 to be operated to its open position. The cleansing fluid accumulated in the bottom of the vat I I is drained through the drain valve mechanism 32 into the drain connection 30.

After the expiration of forty-five seconds the timer operates to supply heating current to the heater 42 while the inlet valve mechanism 21 occupies its closed position and the drain valve mechanism 32 occupies its open position. At this time operation of the electric motor 22 is continued and when the heater 42 is heated the air circulated in the vat II by the blades I9 of the impeller I8 passes over the heater 42 and is directed into contact with the dishes supported by the rack in the vat II. This initial drying step is continued for twenty minutes under the control of the timer, with the heater 42 being supplied with heating current and the electric motor 22 running. "After the expiration of twenty minutes the timer opens the circuit to the electric motor 22 while retaining closed the circult for supplying heating current to the heater 42. Accordingly, the motor 22 stops and operation of the impeller I3 is arrested. Drying of the dishes supported by the rack in the vat II continues after operation of the impeller I3 has been arrested, for an additional ten minutes, under the control of the timer. After the expiration of this additional ten minutes the timer interrupts the supply of heating current to the heater 42, completing the timed cycle, and restores the pickup relay. At this time the timer is returned to its initial position resetting the circuit network for another timed cycle of operation of the dishwashing apparatus I3.

During the operation of the dishwashing apparatus I3 through the timed cycle above described, it is pointed out that the interior of the vat II is at all times vented to the exterior through the door I5 via the ventilating louver II. Also during the various wash and rinse steps when considerable cleansing fluid is accumulated the bottom of the vat II it is pointed out that the reticulated screen 23 prevents any large particles of foreign matter such, for example, as lettuce leaves, or the like, accumulating in the bottom of the vat II, from being caught in the blades I3 of the impeller I8 and again flung upwardly and outwardly thereby into the rack and the dishes supported in the vat II. Finally, at the conclusion of the timed cycle the dishes supported by the rack in the vat II have not only been thoroughly washed and rinsed, but they have been completely dried, so that they are immediately available for reuse at the conclusion of the timed cycle. At the conclusion of the timed cycle the handle I6 may be operated in order to unlatch the door I5, whereupon the door I5 may be moved from its closed position to its open position. At this time th rack may be moved from its fully pushed-in position to its fully pulled-out position and the supported dishes removed therefrom and replaced in a kitchen cabinet, or the like, if desired.

Considering now in greater detail the construction of the door I5, and referring to Figs. 2 to 6, inclusive, it will be observed that the door I5 comprises a substantially rectangular metal outer shell 5i terminating in an inwardly directed and turned marginal flange 52, the opposite sides of the flange 52 adjacent to the lower ends thereof being supported upon pivot pins 53 carried by the side walls I2 of the casing of the dishwashing apparatus I0. Also, the door I5 comprises counterbalancing and limiting mechanism, a portion of which is indicated at 54, in order to cause the door I5 to be moved into its fully closed position after it has been moved substantially thereto, and in order to limit flnal movement of the door into its fully open position. As previously noted, the rotatable handle I6 carried by the door I5 is provided with a latch bar 55 that cooperates with a latch element 56 carried by the casin of the dishwashing apparatus i3 adjacent to the top center of the front opening formed therein and just below the top wall I3. Specifically, the top central portion of the marginal flange 52 has an opening 51 formed therein into which the latch element 56 projects when the door I5 occupies its closed position. At this time when the handle I6 is rotated to a substantially horizontal position, the latch bar 55 is projected into a slot 33 formed in the latch element 56 in order securely to latch the door I5 in its closed position.

Further, the door I5 occupies a substantially rectangular metal inner shell 53 provided with a surrounding marginal flange 63. The principal body of the inner shell 69 is spaced from the 80 and these parts are suitably secured together to form a unitary structure. More particularly the marginal flange 59 comprises an inwardly ofiset substantially rectangular rib 8| defining a shoulder 82 extending about the top and sides or the marginal flange 60. A cooperating gasket 63 is carried by the vat within the front opening formed in the casing of the dishwashing apparatus l and is arranged to engage the shoulder 62 exteriorly of the rib when'the door |5 occupies its closed position in order positively to seal the top and sides of the door IS with respect to the top and sides of the front opening formed in the cabinet, thereby to prevent the escaping of cleansing fluid from the vat The central portion of the inner shell 59 is outwardly dished toward hte outer shell 5|, as

indicated at 54,in order to define a cavity 65 within the door I 5. The dished portion 84 of the inner shell 59 has an opening 56 formed therein that is arranged in alignment with a corresponding opening 61 formed in the outer shell 5|. Further, a substantially rectangular dish shaped plate 68 is arranged in the opening 5! formed in the outer shell 5|, which plate 88 has the louver openings ll formed therein. Specifically, the plate 88 comprises a marginal flange 59 disposed between a marginal flange 19 formed about the opening 61 provided in the outer shell 5| and the dished portion 64 of the inner shell 59; and the parts mentioned are rigidly secured together by cooperating bolts extending therethrough. Accordingly, the chamber 65 formed in the door l5 communicates through the opening 66 formed in the inner shell 59 and the louveropenings formed in the'plate 68 with the exterior.

The lower edge of the marginal flange 6|) disposed about the inner shell 59 projects inwardly and terminates in a downwardly projecting apron 12. The front edge of the lower wall of the vat projects upwardly and terminates in 8, rolled flange 73 adjacent to the bottom of the opening provided in the cabinet of the dishwashing apparatus l0. An intermediate sheet 14 is arranged between the outer shell 5| and the inner shell 59 and has a large centrally disposed opening 15 formed therein surrounding the plate 68. A downwardly extending sheet 16 is suitably secured to the intermediate sheet 14 and terminates closely adjacent to the bottom edge of the marginal flange 52 of the outer shell 5|; which sheet 16 cooperates with and engages the rolled flange 13 provided on the front edge of the vat adjacent to the bottom of the opening provided in the casing of the dishwashing apparatus l0. Further, a soft rubber gasket 1'! is clamped between a fixture l8 and the rear of the apron l2 and arranged to engage and to seal the front edge of the vat ll below the rolled flange I3 when the door l5 occupies its closed position in order positively to prevent cleansing fluid contained in the bottom of the vat H from escaping over the rolled flange l3.

Finally, the door |5 comprises a central inner plate 19 spaced inwardly from the dished portion 84 of the inner shell 59 and substantially flush with the surrounding principal body portion of the inner shell 59; which inner plate 19 is removably secured in place to the dished porion 64 of the inner shell 59 by a plurality of screws 80 and cooperating lugs 8| carried by the dished portion .64. The inner plate"!!! cooperates with the dished portion 64 to define the chamber 65 communicating with the louver'openings I1,

is disposed on .the left-hand side of the center of the door I5 and constitutes a detergent re ceiving po cket. while the opening 84 isdisposed on the right-hand side of the center of the door l5 and constitutes a detergent wash-out opening,- the opening 83 being directed substantially tangentially toward the upper portion of 'the impeller I8. Also, two inwardlyolfset and downwardly sloping deflecting ribs and 88 are formed in the inner plate 19 on opposite sides of the trackway 82 and spaced therefrom and respectively disposed above the pocket 83 and the opening 84. Moreover, two inwardly offset and downwardly sloping deflecting ribs 81 and 88 are formed in the inner plate 19 on opposite sides of the lower end of the track-way 82 and spaced therefrom and respectively disposed below the ribs 85 and 8B and respectively adjacent to the inner edges of the pocket 83 and the opening 84. More particularly, the upper end of the track-way 82 slopes outwardly toward the main body portion of the inner shell 59 adjacent to the upper edge thereof, as indicated at 89; while the lower end of the track-way 82 slopes outwardly toward the main body portion of the inner shell 59 adjacent to the lower edge thereof to define a saddle or recess 99 disposed between the ribs 81 and 88. Further, the central por tion of the lower edge of the rib 6| disposed about the inner shell 59 has a depression or recess 9| formed therein that merges with the recess formed in the lower end of the track-way 82. Accordingly, it will be understood that when the door |5 occupies its closed position, two channels are formed for draining cleansing fluid from the upper portion of the inner plate 19 back into the bottom of the vat the cleansing fluid around the pocket 83 and the opening 84. Cleansing fluid in one of these channels travels downwardly along the left-hand side of the track-way 82onto the rib 85 and thence behind the rib 81 into the recess 90 and finally through the recess 9| back into the bottom of the vat Likewise, cleansing fluid in the other of these channels travels downwardly along the right-hand side of the track-way 82 onto the rib 86 and thence behind the rib 88 into the recess 90 and finally through the recess 9| back into the bottom of the vat ll. understood that the arrangement described including the channels disposed on' opposite sides of the track-way 82 prevents cleansing fluid washing down the inner shell 59-and the inner plate 19 from entering the pocket 83 and the opening 84, purpose more fully explained hereinafter.

The pocket 83 and the opening 84 are further protected from the entrance of cleansing fluid thereinto by two upstanding ribs 92 and 93 respectively disposed adjacent to the outside edges thereof and projecting upwardly from the rib 6| toward the bottom of the inner plate 19.

II, which channels deflect Accordingly. it will be which arrangement is utilized for a 11 orly of the adjacent edge of the inner plate 18 for the purpose of draining cleansing fluid entering the crack between the inner shell 58 and the inner plate I9 onto thelower edge of the rib 8| and for deflecting this cleansing fluid out of the pocket 83. Similarly, adjacent to the top of the right-hand rib 83 a recess 95 is formed in the inner shell 59 exteriorly of the adjacent edge of the inner plate I9 for the purpose of draining cleansing fluid entering the crack between the inner shell 59 and the inner plate 19 onto the lower edge of the rib GI and for deflecting this cleansing fluid out of the opening 84.

In view of the foregoing description of the constructional arrangement of the door I5 it will be understood that the pocket 83 and the o ening 84 directly communicate with the chamber 85 formed in the door I5 between the dished portion 84 of the inner shell 59 and the inner plate I9 and, consequently, with each other, deflning a passage through the door between the detergent receiving pocket 83 and the detergent wash-out opening 84. Moreover, when the door I5 occupies its closed position the pocket 83 and the opening 84 are disposed considerably above the bottom of the vat I I. Further, the detergent receiving pocket 83 has a considerable depth and the bottom wall thereof defined by the marginal flange 80 disposed about the inner shell 59 occupies a substantially horizontal position when the door I5 occupies its closed position. Accordingly, there is little tendency for a charge of detergent placed in the detergent receiving pocket 83 when the door I5 occupies its opened position to be dislodged when the door I5 is moved to its closed position.

Specifically, in the operation of the dishwashing apparatus I8 after the dishes have been loaded into the rack and the rack has been moved into its fully pushed-in position with respect to the vat II a predetermined quantity or charge of detergent is placed in the detergent receiving pocket 83 and the door I5 is moved from its open position to its closed position and latched in place by means of the handle I6. Even though the door I5 is moved rather rapidly into its closed position, no substantial quantity of the charge of detergent placed in the detergent receiving pocket 83 is jarred out of the pocket 83 into the vat I I, since the pocket 83 has considerable depth and the bottom wall thereof occupies a substantially horizontal position at this time. Moreover, the door check mechanism 54 associated with the door I5 prevents slamming the door I5 into its closed position with great force.

At this time the timed cycle of operation of the dishwashing apparatus I is initiated by operating the push button 45 in the manner previously explained, whereby the first spray step is initiated. More particularly cleansing fluid is sprayed from the spraying device 25 downwardly through the dishes supported by the rack arranged in the vat I I while the drain valve mechanism 32 occupies its open position and the electric motor-22 is running. Accordingly, some of the cleansing fluid from the spraying device 25 strikes the inner shell 59 of the door I and some of the cleansing fluid may be flung up from the bottom of the vat II by the blades I9 of the impeller I8 upon the inner shell 59 of the door I5. However, this cleansing fluid runs down the inner shell 59 and the inner plate I9 and is deflected from the pocket 83 and the opening 84 by the previously described arrangement including the track-way 82, the ribs 85 and 88, the

cooperating ribs 81 and 88, and the ribs 82 and 83, whereby the cleansing fluid is returned to the bottom of the vat II. Thus during the spray step of the timed cycle no substantial quantity of cleansing fluid enters the pocket 83 or the opening 84, whereby the charge of detergent placed in the detergent receiving pocket 83 remains therein substantially undisturbed during the spray step.

Subsequently, at the beginning of the first washing step when the drain valve mechanism 32 is operated to its closed position, cleansing fluid begins to accumulate in the bottom of the vat II and is recirculated through the rack and the supported dishes therein by the blades I9 of the impeller I8. As the quantity of cleansing fluid accumulating in the bottom of the vat II increases, the level thereof rises with respect to the pocket 83 and the opening 84 and before the inlet valve mechanism 21 is operated to its closed position a suflicient quantity of cleansing fluid has accumulated in the bottom of the vat II in order to raise the level thereof up toward the pocket 83 since the impeller I8 is operating at this time. Subsequently, the inlet valve mechanism 21 is operated to its closed position and the first washing step continues as previously explained.

When the level of the cleansing fluid accumulating in the bottom of the vat II is raised up toward the pocket 83 during the initial part of the washing step, the cleansing fluid is washed into the detergent receiving pocket 83 and out of the detergent wash-out opening 84. This action is obtained in the dishwashing apparatus III by virtue of the fact that the impeller I8 is rotated in a counterclockwise direction as viewed from the top of the vat I I, whereby the cleansing fluid is recirculated from the interior of the vat II into the detergent receiving pocket 83 and thence out of the detergent wash-out opening 84 back into the vat II. This recirculation of the cleansing fluid through the passage formed in the door I5 positively insures that all of the charge of detergent contained in the detergent receiving pocket 83 is washed out of the opening 84 and introduced into the quantity of cleansing fluid contained in the bottom of the vat II. 0! course, the detergent is placed in solution and the solution is flung upwardly and outwardly by the blades I9 of the impeller I8 through the rack and the supported dishes in order to obtain the washing action upon the dishes in the manner previously explained.

The arrangement described is very advantageous in view of the fact that the charge of detergent placed in the detergent receiving pocket 83 is automatically introduced into the quantity of cleansing fluid during the initial portion of the first washing step merely by the normal operation of the impeller I8, and accordingly requires no externally operated detergent cup at the required point in the first washing step. Moreover, the deflecting arrangement previously described positively prevents any substantial quantity of cleansing fluid from entering the detergent receiving pocket 83 during the preceding first spray step.

Considering now the construction of the rack incorporated in the dishwashing apparatus, and referring generally to Figs. 2 to 8, inclusive, it will be observed that the rack I88 there illustrated is of the general construction and arrangement of that disclosed in the previously the guide rails II I in cross section including an inwardly directed 13 mentioned Stoddard Patent No. 2,290,653. Specifically, the rack is of the open wire-work type comprising a substantially rectangular frame IOI suspending a lower basket I02 and removably supporting an upper basket I03. The lower basket I02 is provided with a centrally disposed perforated silverware receiving cup I04 and structure expresslyadapted to receive and to support dishes in an upstanding position surrounding the'cup I04. Also, the bottom of the lower basket I02 carries a reticulated screen I05 that prevents any small articles from falling therethrough into the bottom of the vat II. The upper basket I03 is removable in its entirety with respect to the frame IM and comprises a main outer section'for supporting cups and saucers, as well as an independently removable center section I06 constituting a glassware support. When the rack I00 occupies its normal fully pulled-out position the center section I06 of the upper basket I03 may be removed, permitting ready placement of silverware into the cup I04 and dishes in the lower basket I02. Of course, the upper basket I03 as a whole may be removed from the frame IOI for the purpose noted. After the silverware'has been placed in the cup I04 and the dishes have been placed in the lower basket I02, the center section I06 is replaced with respect to the remainder of the upper basket I03 or the upper basket I03 as a whole is replaced with respect to the frame IOI.

At this time the cups, saucers and glassware are placed in theupper basket I03. Thereafter the rack I00 may be returned from its normal fully pulled-out position to its normal fully pushed-in position with respect to the vat II.

In order to facilitate movement-of the rack I00 between its normal fully pushed-in position and its normal fully pulled-out position, roller mechanism is provided that cooperates between the sides of the frame IOI and the side walls of the vat II. More particularly two laterally rollers I I 0 disposed at the front ends of the guide rails III are positioned slightly higher than the pair of rollers I20 disposed at the rear of the frame IOI in order to bias the rack I00 into its normal fully pushed-in position with respect to the vat II. At this time when the rack I00 occupies its normal fully pushed-in position with spaced apart and longitudinally extending guide rails II I are respectively carried by the side walls of the vat II. Specifically, a pair of longitudinally spaced-apart brackets II2 are secured to each side wall of the vat II by pairs of bolts I I3 and associated nuts I I4; and to each pair of brackets I I2 the associated one of the guide rails III is secured by a pair of screws II5. Each of is substantially Z-shaped lower flange '8 and a web III spaced inwardly with respect to the adjacent side wall of the vat II. The sides of the frame I M carried by the rack I00 terminate in outwardly and then.

downwardly directed rims II8 positioned above the flange II6 when the rack I00 occupies its normal fully pushed-in position. Two laterally spaced-apart rollers H9 are secured to thewebs I II of the guide rails I II adjacent tothe opening in the front of the casing of the dishwashing' apparatus I0 and are mounted for rotation; which rollers II9 normally engage the outward-. 1y directed rims I I8 carried by sides of the frame IOI. Also, two laterally spaced-apart rollers. I20 are secured to the opposite sides of the frame IOI adjacent to the rear of the rack I00 and are mounted for rotation; which rollers I20 normally engage ,the inwardly directed flanges IIIi carried by the guide rails III. Further, a centrallydisposed roller I2I is carried by the lower portion of the lower basket I02 and is mounted for rotation; which roller I2I is adapted to cooperate with the track-way 82' carried by the respect 'to the vat II, the pair of rollers II9 disposed adjacent to the front ends of the guide rails III engage and support the rims II8 carried by the opposite sidesof the frame IOI and the rollers I20 carried by the opposite sides of the frame IOI adjacent to the rear thereof engage and are supported by the flange II6 of the guide rails III while the roller I 2i completely disengages-the track-way 82 and is positioned entirely within the vat I'I. Accordingly, when the rack I00 occupies-its normal fully pushed-in position the door I5 may be opened and closed at will.

When the door I5 is moved from its closed position to its opened position the track-way 82 is moved into a substantially horizontal position and in substantial alignment with the roller I2I carried by' the lower front central portion of the lower basket I02 of the rack I00. At this time the rack I00 may be moved from its normal fully pushed-in position outwardly with respect to the vat II. During initial travel of the rack I00 the rollers II9 support the rims H8 and the rollers I20 are supported by the flanges H6 in the manner previously explained. As the rack I00 is moved forwardly out of the vat II the roller I2I passes through the recess 9| formed in the rib BI disposed about the inner shell 59 of the door I5 and into the saddle or recess 90. As forward movement of the rack I00 continues the roller I2I engages the upwardly sloping lower end of the track-way 82 and then moves forwardly upon the principal body portion of the track-way 82 in order completely to support the front of the rack I00 upon the door I5. As forward movement of the rack I00 continues the front end of the frame IOI tilts downwardly about the rollers II9 as a consequence of the shifting of the weight of the rack I 00 and its contents out of the vat II, whereby the rollers I20 carried by the sides of the frame IOI adjacent to the rear ends thereof completely disengage the flanges II6. Accordingly, at this time the weight of the rack I00 is carried by the pair of rollers H9 and the front lower roller I2I, the pair of rollers I I9 transferring the carried weight to the side walls of the vat II and the roller I2I transferring the carried weight to the door I5. As furtherforward movement of the rack I00 continues the .front lower roller I2I rides over the downwardly sloping portion 89 of the track-way 82,. whereby the rack I 00 is biased into its normal fully pulled-out position. When the rack I00 reaches its normal fully pulled-out position two outwardly directed pins I22 carried 0n the opposite sides of the flange I 0| engage the front rollers H9 in order to arrest further outwardmovement of the rack I00 beyond its fully pulled-out position.

At this time the rack I00 occupies its fully pulled-out position and the principal weight thereof iscarried through the front lower roller I2I by the door I5, the door I5 being restrained 'rearwardly along the track-way 82.

15 in its'substantially horizontal open position by the door check mechanism 54. When the rack Ill occupies its normal fully pulled-out position,

dishes may be readily loaded or unloaded with respect thereto. Also, at this time the rack I may be completely removed with respect to the cabinet of the dishwashing apparatus I0 by lifting up upon the rear of the frame I M in order to cause the stop pins I22 to disengage the front rollers II9, whereupon the rack I00 may be moved further forwardly, the front lower roller I2I riding upon the door I5, and then the rack Ill may be ultimately removed from the door I5.

Subsequently, the rack I00 may be replaced with respect to the door I5 and the guide rails III and then returned from its normal fully pulled-out position-to its normal fully pushed-in position. In order to move the rack I00 from its normal fully pulled-out position, the front edge of the frame IOI is pushed, causin the front lower roller I2I to ride upwardly upon the sloping portion 89 of the track-way 82 and As rearward motion of the rack I00 continues, the rack I00 tilts about the front rollers IIS causing the rear rollers I20 again to engage the flanges I I6. As further rearward movement of the rack I00 continues, the front lower roller I2I disengages the track-way 82 and the rack I00 is moved into its normal fully pushed-in position. When the rack I00 reaches its normal fully pushed-in position two laterally spaced-apart stops I23, formed of soft rubber, or the like, and carried on the extreme inturned ends of the webs III of the guide rails III, engage the rear rollers I20 carried by the frame IOI in order to arrest further inward movement of the rack I00 toward the rear wall of the vat I I beyond its fully pushed-in position.

In view of the foregoing it will be understood that the rack I00 is biased in its normal fully pushed-in position by the inclination of the guide rails I I I and is biased into its normal fully pulled-out position by the inclination of the front end 09 of the track-way 82. Further, forward movement of the rack I00 out of the vat II is limited by the stop pins I22, although the arrangement of the stop pins I22 permits complete removal of the rack I00 from the casing of the washing apparatus I0 when such is desired. Finally, rearward movement of the rack Ill into the vat II is limited by the stops I23. Hence, the rack I00 is biased into its fully pushed-in position when it is moved in proximity thereto and is biased into its fully pulled-out position when it is moved in proximity thereto. The guide arrangement for the movable rack I00 above described is very advantageous in view of the fact that it permits the rack I00 to be moved to a fully pulled-out position wherein it is positioned substantially entirely out of the vat II. This extreme movement of the rack I00 substantially entirely out of the vat I I into its fully pulled-out position is possible since the weight of the rack I00 is transferred primarily from the guide rails III to the door I5 as the rack I00 is moved into its fully pulled-out position.

The above described mechanism for mounting the dish carrying rack for movements through the front opening into andout of the vat and for supporting the rack upon the front door in its open position is disclosed and claimed in the copending divisional application of Forrest A. Walker, Serial No. 218,138, filed March 2, 1951.

In view of the foregoing it is apparent that there has been provided washing apparatus incorporating an improved arrangement for introducing the detergent into the cleansing fluid at the required time in the washing step of the timed cycle, without externally operated apparatus, as well as an improved arrangement for guiding the dish supporting rack between a normal fully pushed-in position in the vat and supported entirely by the side walls thereof, and a normal fully pulled-out position disposed substantially entirely exteriorly of the vat and supported principally by the associated door in its open position.

While there has been described what is at present considered to be the preferred embodiment of the invention, it will be understood that various modifications may be made therein, and it is intended to cover in the appended claims all such modifications as fall within the true spirit and scope of the invention.

What is claimed is:

1. In washing apparatus. a vat having bottom and side walls, said side wall having an opening therein, a door associated with said opening and movable with respect thereto between a substantially horizontal open position and a substantially vertical closed position, said door having a detergent-receiving recess formed therein and positioned above said bottom wall when said door occupies its closed position, means for introducing washing fluid into said vat when said door occupies its closed position, an impeller arranged in said vat adjacent to said bottom wall and operative to direct said fluid accumulating in the lower portion of said vat upwardly through the central portion thereof into the upper portion thereof, and motor means for operating said impeller, said impeller being operative in response to the accumulation of a predetermined quantity of said fluid in said vat to direct some of said fluid accumulating in the lower portion of said vat upwardly and outwardly toward said recess, said recess having an opening thereinto directed toward said impeller so that said last-mentioned fluid may enter said recess and wash a contained charge of detergent into said vat, said opening being disposed substantially vertically so that said fluid returning down said door toward the lower portion of said vat does not enter into said recess in any substantial amount.

2. In washing apparatus, a vat having bottom and side walls, said side wall having a substantially vertical opening therein, a door associated with said opening and mounted for movement with respect thereto between a substantially vertical closed position and a substantially horizontal open position, said door having a detergent-receiving passage formed in the lower portion thereof and positioned above said bottom wall when said door occupies its closed position, means for introducing washing fluid into said vat when said door occupies its closed position, an impeller arranged in said vat adjacent to said bottom wall and operative to direct said fluid accumulating in the lower portion of said vat upwardly through the central portion thereof into the upper portion thereof, and motor means for operating said impeller, said impeller being operative in response to the accumulation of a predetermined quantity of said fluid in said vat to circulate some of said fluid accumulating in the lower portion of said vat upwardly and outwardly toward said passage, said passage having an opening thereinto directed tangentially toward said impeller so that said last-mentioned fluid may enter said passageand wash a contained charge of detergent into said vat, said opening in said passage being disposed substantially vertically so that said fluid returning down said door toward the lower portion of said vat does not enter into said passage in any substantial amount.

3. In washing apparatus, a vat having bottom and side walls, said side wall having an opening therein, a door associated with said opening and movable with respect thereto between a substantially horizontal open position and a substantially vertical closed position, said door having a first opening formed in the upper outer surface thereof and communicating with the exterior and a second opening formed in the lower inner surface thereof and communicating with the lower portion of said vat and a passage formed therein and communicating between said openings in order to ventilate the interior of said vat to the exterior when said door occupies its closed position. said second opening being positioned above said bottom wall when said door occupies its closed position and being adapted also to receive a charge of detergent, means for introducing washing fluid into said vat in the form of a spray when said door occupies its closed position, an impeller arranged in said vat adjacent to said bottom wall and operative to direct said fluid accumulating in the lower portion of said vat upwardly through the central portion thereof into the upper portion thereof, and motor means for operating said impeller,

said impeller being operative in response to the accumulation of a predetermined quantity of said fluid in said vat to direct some of said fluid accumulating in the lower portion of said vat upwardly and outwardly toward said second opening, said second opening being directed tangentially toward said impeller so that said last-mentioned fluid may enter said second opening and wash a contained charge of detergent into said vat, said second opening being protected by upwardly extending ribs so that a substantial amount of said fluid returning down said door toward said vat is directed away from said second opening.

' 4. In washing apparatus, a vat having bottom and side walls, said side wall having an opening therein, a door associated with said opening and movable with respect thereto between a substantially horizontal open position and a substantially vertical closed position, said door having a first opening formed in the upper outer surface thereof and communicating with the exterior and a second opening formed in the lower inner surface thereof and communicating with the lower portion of said vat and a passage formed therein and communicating between said openings in order to ventilate the interior of said. vat to the exterior when said door occupies its closed position, said second opening being positioned above said bottom wall when said door occupies its closed position and being adapted also to receive a charge of detergent, means for introducing washing fluid into said vat in the form of a spray when said door occupies its closed position, an impeller arranged in said vat adjacent to said bottom wall and operative to direct said lower portion of said vat, and means carried by said door for deflecting from said second opening said fluid returning down the inner surface of said door, said impeller being operative in response to the accumulation of a predetermined quantity of said fluid in said vat to direct some of said fluid accumulating in the lower portion of said vat upwardly and outwardly toward said second opening, said second opening being directed tangentially toward said impeller\so that said last-mentioned fluid may enter said second opening and wash a contained charge of detergent into said vat.

5. In dishwashing apparatus, a vat provided with bottom and side walls. said side wall having a front opening therein, a door associated with said opening and mounted for movement with respect thereto between a substantially vertical closed position and a substantially horizontal open position, a dish-supporting receptacle, means for mounting said receptacle for movement through said opening into and out of said vat over said door when said door occupies its open position, said door having a detergent-receiving recess formed therein and positioned above said bottom wall and below said receptacle when said door occupies its closed position and said receptacle is moved into said vat, means for introducing washing fluid into said vat in the form of a spray when said door occupies its closed position, and circulating means for directing said fluid accumulating in the lower portion of said vat upwardly through said receptacle, said circulating means being operative in response to the accumulation of a predetermined quantity of said fluid in said vat to direct some of said fluid accumulated in the lower portion of said vatupwardly and outwardly toward said recess, said recess having an opening thereinto directed tangentially toward said impeller so that said last-mentioned fluid may directly enter said recess and wash a contained charge of detergent into said vat, said opening being disposed substantially vertically so that said fluid returning down said door toward the lower portion of said vat does not enter into said recess through said opening in any substantial amount.

FORREST ALANDER WALKER.

REFERENCES CITED The following references are of record the file of this patent:

UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name Date 918,297 Duffy Apr. 13, 1909 1,451,180 Schmelzer Apr. 10, 1923 1,466,192 Schmelzer Aug. 28, 1923 1,728,153 Donnellon Sept. 10, 1929 2,035,625 Walker Mar. 31, 1936 2,143,039 Stoddard Jan. 10, 1939 2,146,433 Jackson Feb. 7, 1939 2,155,271 Jones Apr. 18, 1939 2,254,269 Clark et al Sept. 2, 1941 2,276,801 Stoddard Mar. 17, 1942 2,297,995 Wise Oct. 6, 1942 2,425,620 Kempton Aug. 12, 1947 2,468,584 Wotring Apr. 26, 1949 2,498,517 Wotring Feb. 21, 1950 FOREIGN PATENTS Number Country Date 569,906 Great Britain June 13, 1945 

